Ann Arbor Apple Orchards & Cider Mills

One of my favorite fall activities is picking apples, enjoying cider and donuts, and enjoying a fresh baked apple pie. I’ve compiled a list of Ann Arbor Apple Orchards and Cider Mills. I have split the list into those offering U-Pick Orchards and those that do not.

I have compiled information on several of the local apple orchards and cider mills. If I missed someplace, let me know in the comments or by email.

Ad:

Ann Arbor U-Pick Apple Orchards

While there are no actual Ann Arbor Apple Orchards, there are several nearby options that offer u-pick apples.

Wasem Fruit Farm

Our favorite apple orchard to visit is Wasem Fruit Farm which offers a number of varieties of apples for u-pick. Their 2018 U-Pick Apple season will start on Saturday, September 8. Cider will not be available until September 13 or 14. They currently have u-pick raspberries and will have u-pick pumpkins later in the fall. They serve donuts and cider (which is also available by the gallon). I recommend arriving early and getting your donut and cider first as the lines get long. One of our favorite purchases there is also popcorn by the gallon (also available in smaller jugs). Last year we bought a gallon when we went apple picking and it was almost half gone by the time we went pumpkin picking.

Upcoming Sponsored Events

Spicer Orchards

Spicer Orchards in Fenton is another farm where we have picked both apples and cherries in the past. They are the best location for cherries offering both sweet and tart (pie) cherries typically in July. We usually visit other apple orchards to pick apples that are closer to our house, but have picked at the Spicer apple orchard sometimes since they offer earlier varieties of apples. They started picking for the 2018 season on August 14 with Paula Red Apples. They also offer a lot of other activities such as inflatables, playground, animals, hayrides, pony rides, train rides, face painting, sand art, and more. Many of the extra activities have an added cost. They also offer a winery and a few indoor tables to enjoy your cider and donuts away from the yellow jackets.

Wiard’s Orchard and Country Fair

Wiard’s Orchard and Country Fair combines u-pick fruit with the activities of a country fair. The Country Fair opens on weekends starting Saturday, September 8. Beginning Friday, September 28 they will also be open Wednesday-Fridays. They close for the season on October 28. In addition to offering u-pick apples, they also offer family fun with corn maze, playgrounds, slides, inflatables, mini-golf and more. The downside is the admission price ($13.99/person Wednesday-Friday and $17.99/person Saturday & Sunday, free for babies under 2). Apple and Pumpkin picking are only for Country Fair guests. We only visited the market at Wiard’s (once), and never their orchard or Country Fair, largely due to the cost. Our visit was around lunchtime on a Sunday and the parking lot was crowded for the Country Fair.

Wiard’s also operates Night Terrors on Fridays, Saturdays, and some Sundays plus Halloween beginning on Saturday, September 22. I recommend Night Terrors for tweens, teens, and adults.

Ad:

Cider Mills & Pre-Picked Apple Orchards

Dexter Cider Mill

Dexter Cider Mill is located just a few blocks from Downtown Dexter on the Huron River. It is the oldest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan. They opened for the 2018 season – their 132nd straight season – on August 24. They offer fresh cider and donuts and also have a winery. The Dexter Cider Mill is a nice place to stop for a donut and cider, but does not offer much in the way of entertainment. We visited five years ago after school and my daughter and her friends enjoyed skipping rocks into the river.

Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill

A word of warning, Plymouth Orchards does not offer u-pick apples. They offer apples for sale at the Cider Mill and “pumpkin picking” via hay ride. They opened for the 2018 season on September 1.

Three Cedars Farm

Three Cedars Farm in Northville offers a cider mill, hay rides, train rides, corn maze and a u-pick pumpkins. Don’t miss their storybook farm featuring Three Little Pigs, Little Red Hen, Peter Rabbit, and more. They opened for the 2018 season on Friday, August 31. I have never visited Three Cedars Farm, but it has been recommended by readers and I know a number of people that return each year. FYI, payment is by cash or check only.

Alber Orchard & Cider Mill

Located in Manchester, Alber Orchard & Cider Mill grows several heirloom apple varieties. Because of their heirloom trees, they do not offer u-pick. In addition to the cider mill and apples available for purchase, they have a corn maze, tractor rides, hay bale maze, and more. There is also live entertainment on select weekends. They opened September 5th for the 2018 season.